The Beard to Brooklyn? Westbrook to the Knicks?

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

We have all seen what the Pandemic has done to the world and the sports world in particular. The NBA, WNBA and the NHL had to conclude their season in a bubble atmosphere. Players and staff were tested on a regular basis. Fortunately, there was no positive results for the leagues. The Los Angeles Lakes took out the Miami Heat in six games adding their 17th championship to their storied franchise. The Seattle Storm swept the Las Vegas Aces to take home the WNBA crown. The NHL saw the Tampa Bay Lightning take home the statue over the Dallas Stars in six games. Major league baseball had issues all season long as players tested positive when their season resumed. When everything settled, the Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the Tampa Bay Rays winning their first World Series for the first time since 1988. Which brings us back to the NBA as the draft took place last night.

 

 

 

 

Reports have surfaced that James Harden wants out from the Houston and wants to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets. Harden turned down the Rockets offer which would have paid him $103 million dollars for the next 2-years. Harden, Durant and Russell Westbrook were teammates with the Oklahoma Thunder when they went to the NBA Finals only to lose to the Miami Heat in 5 games in 2012. Later that year, after winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, Harden was shipped to Houston. After spending 11 years with the Thunder, Westbrooks gets reunited with Harden this past year in Houston hoping to go deep in the playoffs. Harden’s postseason struggles has been well documented as Harden and Westbrook were unable to get Houston to the finals. After winning game 1, Harden and the Rockets were eliminated by the Lakers who won the next 4 games. Which brings us to this point. Both Harden and Westbrook are looking to get out of Houston. If Harden lands in Brooklyn, it will make them the front runners to come out of the East. The big challenge for new and first time head coach Steve Nash would be how to distribute the ball. All three require the ball but it is a problem any head coach would like.

 

 

As far as Westbrook goes, other reports have surfaced that the New York Knicks expressed interest in acquiring the explosive guard. With the 8th and 27th pick in the draft, new president Leon Rose could put a package together to bring Westbrook to Broadway. New head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is a defensive minded coach, would have his hands full with Westbrook whose defensive skills have been questioned in the past.

 

Except for the recent playoff appearances by the Nets, the New York basketball scene has been dire for what seems forever. One thing is for sure: Adding Harden to Brooklyn with his scoring style and Westbrook to the Knicks with his triple double capabilities, for nothing else would bring more excitement to the city. That is all NYC fans are asking for.